And One More Time keeps finding more in Ballston Spa

Live Oak Plantation's And One More Time turned back multiple challengers and survived a stewards’ inquiry after floating wide in the stretch of Saturday’s $300,000 Ballston Spa (G2) at Saratoga, prevailing by a neck in the 1 1/16-mile turf test for fillies and mares. Javier Castellano guided the four-year-old daughter of Omaha Beach for Mark Casse.

“I mean, she’s really on her game right now,” Casse said. “I’ve never seen her so good. They had shots to get by her, but they couldn’t. She deserves to be the winner.”

Winner of the restricted De La Rose S. in mid-July, And One More Time registered her second graded win, taking the Natalma (G1) as a juvenile and her fourth overall stakes success. Her overall record now reads 11-6-1-0.

The dark bay Kentucky-bred sped forward at the break and showed the way on a short lead through moderate fractions before coming under pressure in upper stretch. And One More Time did not corner properly into the stretch, drifting out as Sunlit Uplands and 9-10 favorite Segesta advanced to take closer order to the outside, before Castellano got her straightened out. 

Despite being carried out, Sunlit Uplands and Segesta had every chance to get by the winner before coming up short. Deep Satin closed dramatically along the inside to be a serious presence but was repelled before she could draw even. And One More Time kept plugging away courageously, surging under the wire to avoid a head-bobbing photo.

“She made the lead and got a nice and comfortable breather,” Castellano said. “I liked the way she performed today. She drifted a little, but with the way she did it, she never interfered with the other horse. I never had any contact with (runner-up Sunlit Uplands). I think it was the right decision (by the stewards) today."

Off as 6.31-1 third choice, And One More Time was timed in 1:40.80.

Sunlit Uplands edged Deep Satin by a neck for second. It was another half-length to Grayosh, who got up late to edge Segesta for fourth, and Ozara and Long Ago completed the order.

Bred by William Harrigan and Mike Pietrangelo, And One More Time was purchased by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak for $750,000 as a yearling at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga August sale. The regally bred filly counts Grade 1-winning millionaire Simply in Front, Grade 2 winner Honor D Lady, and stakes victor Churchtown as half-siblings, and this is the family of multiple Grade 1-winning millionaire Educated Risk.

“This means a lot to Mrs. Weber, and if it means a lot to Mrs. Weber, it means a lot to me,” Casse said. “She’s been part of my family for over 50 years. She was there (at the winner’s circle), and she was like, ‘please don’t take this away from me!’”